“If men are to be precluded from offering their sentiments on a matter, which may involve the most serious and alarming consequences, that can invite the consideration of mankind, reason is of no use to us; the freedom of speech may be taken away, and, dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep, to the Slaughter.”

George Washington (1732-1799)

Address to officers of the Army, March 15, 1783

Source: Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations